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Thursday, October 17, 2013

Islanders Break Losing Streak, Win 3-2

After going 0-2-1 in their last 3 three games the Islanders
finally picked up a win defeating the Edmonton Oilers by a score of 3-2. Despite
a span 8 seconds where Edmonton’s Taylor
Hall scored two goals and another where Edmonton had 3 power plays in 8
minutes, this was a game completely dominated by the Islanders. Josh Bailey got the scoring started
with a goal in the first period. Kyle
Okposo scored the game-tying goal on a power play and then later in the
period John Tavares would score the
eventual game-winning goal on a wrist shot from the slot area. This was an
important win for the Islanders who were in danger of losing to a team with
only one win.

The Important Things:

Evgeni Nabokov
looked like the goalie the Islanders need to be playoff contenders as he
stopped 27 of 29 shots. The two goals he allowed could be chalked up to poor
Islander play as on the first goal, the defense failed to clear the zone and on
the second on, Michael Grabner failed
to cover his man skating to net directly after a faceoff.

John Tavares
continued his hot streak as he added an assist to go along with the goal he
scored. Tavares now has 9 points (4G, 5A) on this season, all coming in the
last six games, where he has had at least one point in each. The only game he
has failed to record a point was opening night against the Devils.

Bruisers Matt Martin and
Cal Clutterbuck where on top of
their game tonight as each of them recorded 5 hits during the game. Martin was
even seen on the power play tonight, getting ice time with the second unit.
Clutterbuck looks to be recovering well from the leg laceration that kept him
out of the first three games as he played 11 minutes 29 seconds tonight, his
most since returning from injury.

The Value of Special
Teams:

The Islanders penalty kill was a perfect 3 for 3 tonight.
Edmonton totaled 9 shots combined on the PP tonight. It was another perfect
night for the penalty kill as the Islanders have now killed 6 of the their last
7 penalties.

Players Still
Shuffling:

Colin McDonald returned to the
ice tonight after missing Tuesday’s game with what was being called a hip
injury. Matt Donovan also returned
to the ice tonight and logged close to 14 minutes of ice time. Brock Nelson was a healthy scratch yet
again and there are rumblings of a possible demotion to the AHL. It honestly
wouldn’t be the worst thing as young players need to play.

What’s Next:

The Islanders (3-2-2) continue their home stand on Saturday as
they play host to the Carolina Hurricanes. Play is scheduled to start at 7pm.